Robots are mechanical devices that can autonomously accomplish routine tasks. In doing so, they incorporate a variety of simple machines, which combine to form a compound machine. Robots typically use an electrical motor, but that motor can multiply the force of the motor or multiply its speed, depending on how it is connected. In each case, there is a tradeoff between the force and the speed, i.e., both cannot be multiplied simultaneously. Many forms of technology, like robots, combine these simple machines into a compound machine. In this section, you will learn to find them and study their purpose in the workings of the device.
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to...
Design or evaluate simple technological or natural systems that incorporate the principles of force and motion (e.g., simple machines, compound machines).
Calculate the mechanical advantage for moving an object by using a simple machine.
Identify elements of simple machines in compound machines.
Calculate the efficiency of a simple machine.
Working Draft Learning Learning Activities/Strategies/Technologies
Simple Machine Experiments
Simple Machines Lab Kits
Online Gear Simulations
Rube Goldberg Project
Online Rube Goldberg Simulations
Calculating Mechanical Advantage
Online Mechanical Advantage Simulations
Calculating Efficiency
Supplemental Resources:
Cox Lesson #1 : Lever Arm Concept--Lever Investigation Cox Lesson #2 : Mechanical Advantage--Notes, Calculations Cox Lesson #3 : Six Machines (MA)--Notes, Demos (Stations) Cox Lesson #4 : TMA/AMA/Efficiency--Notes, Calculations Cox Lesson #5 : Compound Machines--VCR Investigation Cox Lesson #6 : Engineering Challenge--Gear/Car Kits Newhart Lesson: Simple Machine Scavenger Hunt
Other Resources: On the hs-data drive, I placed a jeopardy game and chapter test I used with my honors students.
S8.C.3.1 Describe the effect of multiple forces on the movement, speed, or direction of an object.
S8.C.3.1.1 Describe forces acting on objects (e.g., friction, gravity, balanced versus unbalanced).
S8.C.3.1.2 Distinguish between kinetic and potential energy.
S8.C.3.1.3 Explain that mechanical advantage helps to do work (physics) by either changing a force or changing the direction of the applied force (e.g., simple machines, hydraulic systems).
Enduring Understandings
Robots are mechanical devices that can autonomously accomplish routine tasks. In doing so, they incorporate a variety of simple machines, which combine to form a compound machine. Robots typically use an electrical motor, but that motor can multiply the force of the motor or multiply its speed, depending on how it is connected. In each case, there is a tradeoff between the force and the speed, i.e., both cannot be multiplied simultaneously. Many forms of technology, like robots, combine these simple machines into a compound machine. In this section, you will learn to find them and study their purpose in the workings of the device.Learning Objectives: Students will be able to...
Working Draft Learning Learning Activities/Strategies/Technologies
Supplemental Resources:
Cox Lesson #1 : Lever Arm Concept--Lever Investigation
Cox Lesson #2 : Mechanical Advantage--Notes, Calculations
Cox Lesson #3 : Six Machines (MA)--Notes, Demos (Stations)
Cox Lesson #4 : TMA/AMA/Efficiency--Notes, Calculations
Cox Lesson #5 : Compound Machines--VCR Investigation
Cox Lesson #6 : Engineering Challenge--Gear/Car Kits
Newhart Lesson: Simple Machine Scavenger Hunt
Other Resources: On the hs-data drive, I placed a jeopardy game and chapter test I used with my honors students.
- Robot Arm Simulation
- Gear Ratio Car Investigation
http://science.howstuffworks.com/robot.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/gear.htm
http://science.howstuffworks.com/pulley.htm
http://www.rubegoldberg.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8DjQ2DXs7s
http://www.scienceyear.com/under11s/index.html?page=/under11s/levers/index.html -Great Lever Explanation!
http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/adventures/3886757.html Trebuchet Plans
Text Science Spectrum Ch 8.1 & 8.2 Simple Machines & MA; CH 8.4 Energy
Gear Activity
Gear Ratio Car Kits
Toys
http://www.ieee.org/web/education/preuniversity/tispt/lrobotarm.html
Great online RGD ( link courtesy of J. Kellett)
http://www.steelcitysfinest.com/HondaAccordAd.htm
http://www.cosi.org/files/Flash/simpMach/sm1.swf
http://scifiles.larc.nasa.gov/kids/Problem_Board/problems/pulleys/sim1.swf
http://pbskids.org/zoom/games/goldburgertogo/index.html
Instructional Objectives: Students will be able to...
Simple Machines (Force/Distance Tradeoff)
- identify and measure the input and output forces of simple machines.
- identify and measure the input and output distances of simple machines.
- describe the effect of increasing output distance or input distance on the output force of a simple machine.
Mechanical Advantage (Multiplying speed or force) Ch 8.1- Calculate the mechanical advantage of moving an object using a simple machine.
- Evaluate the elements of a simple machine in terms of their ability to multiply force or speed.
Energy & Efficiency (First & Second Law of Thermodynamics) Ch 8.4- explain the operation of a simple machine in terms of energy conservation.
- identify parts of a simple machine that result in inefficiency.
Compound Machines (only page 262 defined)- Identify elements of simple machines in compound machines.
- Design a compound machine that incorporates a variety of simple machines.
Flowcharts of Energy TransferReferences to PDE Academic Standards, Anchors, and Eligible Content
Prior Learning (from S8 Anchors):
S8.C.3.1 Describe the effect of multiple forces on the movement, speed, or direction of an object.